Kenya – Odinga supports lifting ban on Mombasa Republican Council

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has backed a High Court ruling lifting the ban on the Mombasa Republican Council. But he cautioned that the ruling should not be misconstrued as an approval of secession.

Mraja (in a Muslim cap) accompanied by human rights activists from the Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI). Prime Minister Raila Odinga has backed a High Court ruling lifting the ban on the Mombasa Republican Council. Photo/FILE

The government outlawed the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) in 2010, describing it as a “criminal group”. Speaking to Sunday Nation on Saturday, Mr Odinga said the court decision should open the way for dialogue and formal engagement with government.

“They should renounce their demands for secession and dialogue with government. The court said that the Mombasa Republican Council should apply for formal recognition and pursue their interests within the law,” he said.

The PM’s declaration was in conflict with a move by the office of the Attorney-General which has said it would appeal the High Court’s ruling that the ban was unconstitutional.

The major concern is that the ruling could embolden the group push for secession.